University of Wisconsin Board of Regents Approves New 36-Credit,
Online Master of Science in Data Science Program

New Graduate Program Aims to Address the Growing Need for Data
Analytics Talent in Wisconsin and Across the Nation

April 28, 2015 11:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

MADISON, Wis.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has granted its
approval to offer a 12-course, 36-credit online master’s degree in the
fast-growing field of data science. A collaborative partnership of the
University of Wisconsin-Extension and six University of Wisconsin
campuses—UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh,
UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior—the program will be the first online
master’s degree in data science ever offered in the UW System.

“All course content will be provided by distinguished University of
Wisconsin faculty. Their expertise, combined with UW-Extension CEOEL’s
award-winning instructional and media design, will ensure a rich,
flexible, and engaging educational experience that prepares students for
success in data science and analytics careers.”

Courses are planned to start in September pending approval from the
Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional
accreditors in the United States.

“Today’s world is generating data at an explosive and accelerating
rate,” said David Schejbal, dean of UW-Extension’s Division of
Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning (CEOEL). “In Wisconsin and
across the country, employers in most industries are in great need of
skilled professionals with the ability to transform big data into
actionable insights. We are excited to offer an online professional
degree program aimed at creating tomorrow’s data science leaders today.”

Designed with input from industry leaders, the UW Master of Science in
Data Science will offer a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum
grounded in computer science, math and statistics, management, and
communication. Students will learn how to clean, organize, analyze, and
interpret large and complex data sets using the latest tools and
analytical methods. Admission to the program will require a bachelor’s
degree and a 3.0 GPA. Aptitude tests such as the GMAT and GRE will not
be required.

“The online format is a great choice for busy adults,” said Schejbal.
“All course content will be provided by distinguished University of
Wisconsin faculty. Their expertise, combined with UW-Extension CEOEL’s
award-winning instructional and media design, will ensure a rich,
flexible, and engaging educational experience that prepares students for
success in data science and analytics careers.”

Students in the program will enjoy affordable tuition that compares
favorably to competing graduate programs from other institutions. Like
other collaborative online University of Wisconsin programs, students
will pay the same tuition whether they live in Wisconsin or out of state.

“Data science is a transformative field that allows organizations to
turn disorganized data into useful information and intelligence,” said
Missy Wittmann, enterprise data strategist at American
Family Insurance and president of the Wisconsin
Data Management Association (DAMA) Chapter. Wittmann consulted with
CEOEL and program faculty during development of the program. “Data
scientists combine technical expertise with business savvy to help
organizations solve problems, streamline processes, save money, and do
what they do better than they ever imagined before.”

The Master of Science in Data Science program is intended for students
with a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, analytics, computer
science, or marketing; or three to five years of professional experience
as a business intelligence analyst, data analyst, financial analyst,
information technology analyst, database administrator, computer
programmer, statistician, or other related position.

Answering “a dire need” in business

A December
2014 story from CNBC.com reported, “The world is in dire need of
data science professionals as experts ring alarm bells over the shortage
of talent in a field that has become crucial to global business.”

This deepening shortage of data scientists means the employment outlook
for professionals with the required knowledge and technical skills is
extremely positive. A report from McKinsey
Global Institute predicts that “Demand for deep analytical talent in
the United States could be 50 to 60 percent greater than its projected
supply by 2018.” The result may be a shortfall of “140,000 to 190,000
people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and
analysts to analyze big data and make decisions based on their findings.”

Prospective students seeking more information about the planned
University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science program are
encouraged to visit datasciencedegree.wisconsin.edu,
call 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu.

Contacts

University of Wisconsin-ExtensionChris HofmannDirector of
MarketingContinuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning608-262-6660chris.hofmann@uwex.edu

Release Summary

University of Wisconsin-Extension receives UW Board of Regents approval for online Master of Science in Data Science. Program will be first online big data degree in UW System.